Made it to Kawasaki for triple-headers on Saturday and Sunday- mostly KCFA games, but the night game on Sunday was the Unisys Bulls playing the Asahi Silver Stars on their home turf. Unisys started the game with a nice drive or two, but hampered themselves with fumbles, giving the ball away as they neared the goal line. Asahi finally got moving, and took command. Unisys had hoped that its speed could help negate the Silver Stars' superior size, but seemed to wear down.
In the early game on Sunday, Keio was well out in front of Yohohama Kokuritsu before the Mastiffs rallied late for three scores. It didn't change the result, but I was impressed by the Yokohama QB's handling of the hurry-up offense. I think they are the first Japanese team I have seen this year that doesn't spike the ball on first down, a procedure that seems ridiculous to me- most teams trailing run out of downs before they run out of seconds.
Indeed, at the end of the middle game, Tokyo University spiked the ball on 1st and 3rd down with the ball at the Hosei goal line, effectively giving them only two chances to score instead of four. The Warriors gave the Tomahawks some problems with their option. But good pursuit generally contained the damage. Hosei looked alternatively sharp and sloppy, but most of the time I got the feeling they were just toying with their opponent.
I was looking forward to seeing Saturday's games after Kokushukan's upset of Waseda. The Rhiniceros did not fail to impress- they simply are not afraid, and gave Senshu all they could handle before losing 27-21 in overtime. Waseda seems to shaken off their previous loss, and Nichidai looked dominant.
It was really great hearing the student bands out there- it couldn't have been easy especially sitting on the visitors sideline facing the sun directly, but they really added something positive to the atmosphere!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
post Silver Week
Was away for part of Silver Week, but made it to several games, and six more this past weekend.
One of the ugliest things I had the misfortune to look at was the Sagamihara Rise pummeling the Itochu Wings, in a a clear mismatch. I am not really sure what bothered me more: the Rise running their no-huddle and calling time outs late in the 4th quarter when ahead by more than a dozen touchdowns; or the some of the Wings who seemed to give up almost as soon as the game began. I don't like calling anyone out here, but on some plays I counted four offensive lineman standing and watching their defensive counterparts in the offensive backfield, tackling the QB or ball carrier for a loss. Above all, football is about never, ever quitting. Ever.
The Rise are, of course, the rebirth of Onward, who suddenly lost their corporate sponsorship late last year. They reformed as a municipal team, and are enjoying great support from (and involvement with) Sagamihara. Unfortunately, technically as a brand new team, they had to begin again in Division 3. They have a 60-man roster of Division 1 talent, playing against mostly teams that are lucky to get 20-25 suited up for a game.
According to Coach Dan Lynds, the hardest thing is keeping the players motivated and focused against the over-matched competition. Seems that their scrimmages are more of a challenge than the regular season games right now. At the end of the season, they are hoping to play a charity bowl game against a team from Kansai in a similar condition. Anyway, unless something changes, the Rise will be wearing white for two more years- which is about when they will be finally back to pickin' on someone their own size.
The nightcap at Oi on Wednesday was somewhat more interesting and competitive, with the Mitusi Seagulls coming from behind with 22 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Steelers.
Both teams are able to suit up around two dozen players, so they are obviously in need of players.
One of the ugliest things I had the misfortune to look at was the Sagamihara Rise pummeling the Itochu Wings, in a a clear mismatch. I am not really sure what bothered me more: the Rise running their no-huddle and calling time outs late in the 4th quarter when ahead by more than a dozen touchdowns; or the some of the Wings who seemed to give up almost as soon as the game began. I don't like calling anyone out here, but on some plays I counted four offensive lineman standing and watching their defensive counterparts in the offensive backfield, tackling the QB or ball carrier for a loss. Above all, football is about never, ever quitting. Ever.
The Rise are, of course, the rebirth of Onward, who suddenly lost their corporate sponsorship late last year. They reformed as a municipal team, and are enjoying great support from (and involvement with) Sagamihara. Unfortunately, technically as a brand new team, they had to begin again in Division 3. They have a 60-man roster of Division 1 talent, playing against mostly teams that are lucky to get 20-25 suited up for a game.
According to Coach Dan Lynds, the hardest thing is keeping the players motivated and focused against the over-matched competition. Seems that their scrimmages are more of a challenge than the regular season games right now. At the end of the season, they are hoping to play a charity bowl game against a team from Kansai in a similar condition. Anyway, unless something changes, the Rise will be wearing white for two more years- which is about when they will be finally back to pickin' on someone their own size.
The nightcap at Oi on Wednesday was somewhat more interesting and competitive, with the Mitusi Seagulls coming from behind with 22 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Steelers.
Both teams are able to suit up around two dozen players, so they are obviously in need of players.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
random 2009 September notes
notes:
The odd summer weather in Japan this year- a bit cooler than normal- has made it great for watching football. While the rain came down on Saturday, there really hasn't been any nasty typhoon weather. Sunday was warm, sunny, and beautiful. Hope we get more of the same for upcoming 'Silver Week' and can see some more fans out at the stadiums.
* Was a bit bleary eyed from (internet) watching NCAA games (Michigan-Notre Dame...wow!), but there was some exciting early season football played in Japan, too.
* Perhaps the most stunning event of the weekend and perhaps the early season so far was Kokushukan's upset of Waseda in college division 1 at Amino Vital. A goal line stand with 10 seconds remaining gave the Rhinos a 7-3 (!) victory over the Big Bears.
Kokushukan is new to Division 1 this year.
* The Rhinos occasionally share their practice field (and scrimmage) with the Unisys Bulls.
The Bulls also enjoyed their first win in (X-League) Division 1 after moving up this year, defeating the All-Mitsubishi Lions 17-14 at Kawasaki on Sunday. The Bulls and Fuji Xerox (3rd year in the top division) are both 1-1.
* While there is nothing like parity yet, but things are improving in the X-League somewhat. While definitely stronger than others lower in their division, the Asahi Silver Stars look vulnerable- they only led the Gas Creators by a mere 14-7 at the start of the 4th quarter.
* Kawasaki Stadium: I have to say, it keeps evolving as a better and better place for football. This year they have extended the stands further towards the end zone which was the former home of, well, home plate. Now the cheerleaders have a bit more room to...[come on] Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake, a-Shake It. [Yeah, I know- shame on me]
There is consequently slightly less of it, but there is still a grassy "picnic area" behind home plate, which I would like to see families and fans and teams make more use made of.
* Other improvements at Kawasaki have included raising the scoreboard. Much more prominent and easier to see now. Just one problem: unfortunately the lights are just not powerful enough, so with the sun shining directly upon it it during much of the second half of the second game, it was impossible to see anything from the "Visitor" sideline.
When such times come (of course, exactly when depends on the time of year), perhaps it would help if the referee reminded the PA announcer to call out the time remaining each time the clock stopped, particularly say, in the last 3 minutes or so of each quarter. Fortunately it didn't turn out to be a factor in yesterday's 17-14 Bulls-Lions game- but it easily could have been.
* BTW seems like every time i see him officiate a game, Bill Passwaters is the umpire. Can't help wondering: is that because he likes it there, or do they put the gaijin in the officiating spot most likely to get caught up in the fray, or to get run over? [insert Yakety Sax footage here]
* I also think I have been seeing better officiating than in the past. Still some missed calls and bogus PI calls; and I have yet to witness a call for helmet-to-helmet contact in Japan. But it seems to be better informed, more decisive. There seem to be fewer of those confounded confabulations- all around, the zebras seem more sure of themselves in the midst of all those roaming Lions and Tigers and Bears.
The odd summer weather in Japan this year- a bit cooler than normal- has made it great for watching football. While the rain came down on Saturday, there really hasn't been any nasty typhoon weather. Sunday was warm, sunny, and beautiful. Hope we get more of the same for upcoming 'Silver Week' and can see some more fans out at the stadiums.
* Was a bit bleary eyed from (internet) watching NCAA games (Michigan-Notre Dame...wow!), but there was some exciting early season football played in Japan, too.
* Perhaps the most stunning event of the weekend and perhaps the early season so far was Kokushukan's upset of Waseda in college division 1 at Amino Vital. A goal line stand with 10 seconds remaining gave the Rhinos a 7-3 (!) victory over the Big Bears.
Kokushukan is new to Division 1 this year.
* The Rhinos occasionally share their practice field (and scrimmage) with the Unisys Bulls.
The Bulls also enjoyed their first win in (X-League) Division 1 after moving up this year, defeating the All-Mitsubishi Lions 17-14 at Kawasaki on Sunday. The Bulls and Fuji Xerox (3rd year in the top division) are both 1-1.
* While there is nothing like parity yet, but things are improving in the X-League somewhat. While definitely stronger than others lower in their division, the Asahi Silver Stars look vulnerable- they only led the Gas Creators by a mere 14-7 at the start of the 4th quarter.
* Kawasaki Stadium: I have to say, it keeps evolving as a better and better place for football. This year they have extended the stands further towards the end zone which was the former home of, well, home plate. Now the cheerleaders have a bit more room to...[come on] Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake, a-Shake It. [Yeah, I know- shame on me]
There is consequently slightly less of it, but there is still a grassy "picnic area" behind home plate, which I would like to see families and fans and teams make more use made of.
* Other improvements at Kawasaki have included raising the scoreboard. Much more prominent and easier to see now. Just one problem: unfortunately the lights are just not powerful enough, so with the sun shining directly upon it it during much of the second half of the second game, it was impossible to see anything from the "Visitor" sideline.
When such times come (of course, exactly when depends on the time of year), perhaps it would help if the referee reminded the PA announcer to call out the time remaining each time the clock stopped, particularly say, in the last 3 minutes or so of each quarter. Fortunately it didn't turn out to be a factor in yesterday's 17-14 Bulls-Lions game- but it easily could have been.
* BTW seems like every time i see him officiate a game, Bill Passwaters is the umpire. Can't help wondering: is that because he likes it there, or do they put the gaijin in the officiating spot most likely to get caught up in the fray, or to get run over? [insert Yakety Sax footage here]
* I also think I have been seeing better officiating than in the past. Still some missed calls and bogus PI calls; and I have yet to witness a call for helmet-to-helmet contact in Japan. But it seems to be better informed, more decisive. There seem to be fewer of those confounded confabulations- all around, the zebras seem more sure of themselves in the midst of all those roaming Lions and Tigers and Bears.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Pushing throught the Dog Days
In the US, the football season actually begins in earnest in August. Very earnest. With two-a-days and summer practice in the mad race to prepare for the season in the hottest months of the year, it can be very grueling. Saw a letter/posting from a HS football player in America to which I am sure many of us can relate:
"Should I quit my high school football team?"
"This is my first year ever playing football, so I'm not really that good. I mainly joined because my parents wanted me to play a sport or join something. Practices are pretty hard, and it's not fun. I'm always too sore or tired to hang out with my friends, and it takes up a lot of my summer. I really don't wanna quit or be a quitter, but I don't know how much longer I can motivate myself to get through it."
I felt compelled to respond:
Football is not just a game. It is a test of personal courage and toughness and will. That is way more important than any awards or results on the scoreboard.
Over time, you will inevitably bond and make friends with other players on the team- 'war buddies'- in a way that only people who have gone through common hardships can.
It is difficult to get perspective sometimes- football entails a lot of practice and drilling and stress and pain and discomfort that could not be described as fun. And yes, August is the worst. The payoff comes much later.
But be aware that all the drilling and practice really is necessary, so that you won't need to think about all the things that go on in a game situation- you'll be able to just react, so things flow almost instinctively.
You have to look any for ways you can to see improvement- by measurement, or on video. This can help to motivate you. Ask your coach to give you something specific to work on, and ask for periodic evaluations and look to see improvement in that specific aspect.
Keep a journal of your experience- committing thoughts and experiences and resolutions to paper and looking back over it later can also help inspire you.
Pay more attention and be more vocal- when on the sidelines, when watching others in drills. This gets your 'mind in the game', and prepares you better for when you are in there.
Generally in life, the more you invest and commit to something, the more you'll get out of it.
Just take my word for it and know that you have a great opportunity you may not fully appreciate until later- unlike many other things, when you are older you won't have a chance to play and learn from the experience. Later in life, the things we usually regret are the things we had a chance to do, but didn't.
Good luck!
Any other comments or suggestions for players when they are feeling this way?
"Should I quit my high school football team?"
"This is my first year ever playing football, so I'm not really that good. I mainly joined because my parents wanted me to play a sport or join something. Practices are pretty hard, and it's not fun. I'm always too sore or tired to hang out with my friends, and it takes up a lot of my summer. I really don't wanna quit or be a quitter, but I don't know how much longer I can motivate myself to get through it."
I felt compelled to respond:
Football is not just a game. It is a test of personal courage and toughness and will. That is way more important than any awards or results on the scoreboard.
Over time, you will inevitably bond and make friends with other players on the team- 'war buddies'- in a way that only people who have gone through common hardships can.
It is difficult to get perspective sometimes- football entails a lot of practice and drilling and stress and pain and discomfort that could not be described as fun. And yes, August is the worst. The payoff comes much later.
But be aware that all the drilling and practice really is necessary, so that you won't need to think about all the things that go on in a game situation- you'll be able to just react, so things flow almost instinctively.
You have to look any for ways you can to see improvement- by measurement, or on video. This can help to motivate you. Ask your coach to give you something specific to work on, and ask for periodic evaluations and look to see improvement in that specific aspect.
Keep a journal of your experience- committing thoughts and experiences and resolutions to paper and looking back over it later can also help inspire you.
Pay more attention and be more vocal- when on the sidelines, when watching others in drills. This gets your 'mind in the game', and prepares you better for when you are in there.
Generally in life, the more you invest and commit to something, the more you'll get out of it.
Just take my word for it and know that you have a great opportunity you may not fully appreciate until later- unlike many other things, when you are older you won't have a chance to play and learn from the experience. Later in life, the things we usually regret are the things we had a chance to do, but didn't.
Good luck!
Any other comments or suggestions for players when they are feeling this way?
Monday, July 27, 2009
ND Japan Bowl
It was a surprising game in many ways. The great receivers for the Japan team never got loose for a long one. The much feared Noriaki Kinoshita ended up with only 3 catches, the longest for 14 yards on Curl route for a first down- and that was the extent of the damage he did to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish did their fighting on the ground- they completed a grand total of one (1!) pass in the air that went for 7 yards (and was marked back 10 yards for holding on the play). The second half ofthe game, the Irish took control with their ground game, running the ball 49 times for 271 yards; breaking tackles numerous times. Jay Vickers was the MVP for the game, carrying 'the rock' 16 times for 139 yards and 1 TD, the longest a 77 yard run on an Inside Zone that he cut back and took nearly to the goal line, setting up a Tony Rice TD that made it 10-3.
Besides the problems handling a more physical Irish team, Japan's QB's (Takata and Sugawara) had significant trouble with the Notre Dame pass rush- they were unable to deliver the ball deep; suffered hurried and errant throws, and several dropped balls as well. As Notre Dame DC told me after the game- "that was our game plan; to really our DL loose. we told them they would have a lot of fun this week." Japan was 20-45 and 179 yards, with 3 interceptions and several sacks, including one safety early in the 3rd that seemed to take the wind out of their sails. Frankly speaking, intensity and emotion seemed to be missing from the Japan sideline for most of the game.
The crowd on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the game. The Notre Dame 'tailgate' BBQ party with free-flowing beer out in front of the Dome put many in a good mood, and the marching bands and various camera gimmicks- including the Kiss Cam- created a fun atmosphere; though the animated scoreboard shorts interrupted the replays way too often.
Besides the problems handling a more physical Irish team, Japan's QB's (Takata and Sugawara) had significant trouble with the Notre Dame pass rush- they were unable to deliver the ball deep; suffered hurried and errant throws, and several dropped balls as well. As Notre Dame DC told me after the game- "that was our game plan; to really our DL loose. we told them they would have a lot of fun this week." Japan was 20-45 and 179 yards, with 3 interceptions and several sacks, including one safety early in the 3rd that seemed to take the wind out of their sails. Frankly speaking, intensity and emotion seemed to be missing from the Japan sideline for most of the game.
The crowd on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the game. The Notre Dame 'tailgate' BBQ party with free-flowing beer out in front of the Dome put many in a good mood, and the marching bands and various camera gimmicks- including the Kiss Cam- created a fun atmosphere; though the animated scoreboard shorts interrupted the replays way too often.
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